Monkey-Plex Review: FILM: The Sweatbox

FILM: The Sweatbox 4 monkeys

Well, here’s one to look for on home video, because it probably won’t be playing at a theatre near you. Hardcore Disney animation fans will remember that before The Emperor’s New Groove was released, it went through what was, at that time, the most tortuous development process of any of the modern Disney animated classics. In its initial incarnation, the film was going to be called Kingdom of the Sun, a much different and highly mythological take on ancient Andean culture and its creation myth. (Of course, The Emperor's New Groove turned out to be a non-stop laugh fest, featuring David Spade as a pouty, power-mad boy emperor who was accidentally turned in to a llama. So, as you can see, they changed it just a bit. That's Hollywood for you.)
One of the big draws of Kingdom was going to be original songs and music from Sting. And as part of Sting’s deal, his wife, Trudie Styler, was given access to create a “making of” documentary. Only one problem: Halfway through the process, Disney basically stopped making Kingdom and turned it in to New Groove, junking most of Sting’s work in the process.
Thankfully, Trudie's access to the filmmakers continued. So this film, then, became a fascinating look at the creation myth of The Emperor's New Groove. Anyone who has ever wondered about the making of an animated film, especially a Disney animated film (think sausage, only slightly messier), would do well to seek out The Sweatbox. Highly recommended.

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